She was a native of Holland, and came to England early in life, where she married Blaize's father, who died soon after their union.

An excellent cook in a plain way--indeed, she had no practice in any other--she would brew strong ale and mead, or mix a sack-posset with, any innkeeper in the city.
Moreover, she was a careful and tender nurse, if her services were ever required in that capacity.

The children looked upon her as a second mother; and her affection for them, which was unbounded, deserved their regard.

She was a perfect storehouse of what are termed "old women's receipts;" and there were few complaints (except the plague) for which she did not think herself qualified to prescribe and able to cure.

Her skill in the healing art was often tested by her charitable mistress, who required her to prepare remedies, as well as nourishing broths, for such of the poor of the parish as applied to her for relief at times of sickness.
Her son, Blaize, was a stout, stumpy fellow, about four feet ten, with a head somewhat too large for his body, and extremely long arms.